KR20060008290A - Method and apparatus for detecting a gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sensor apparatus (300, 300', 300", 450) configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas and a leak detection apparatus (100, 100') configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas and indicate the location of a leak. The leak detection apparatus (100, 100') may further be configured to quantify the leak rate at the leak location.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A GAS}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a gas and in particular to a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a tracer gas in a leak test environment.

This specification expressly discloses US Patent Ser. Nos. 10 / 382,961 and “A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING LEAKS”, entitled “A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A GAS,” filed March 6, 2003. The contents disclosed in the specification of US Patent Serial No. 10 / 382,565, which are incorporated by reference, are incorporated by reference.

In known leak test apparatuses, either one of the areas inside and outside of the device under test is at a higher pressure than the other outside or inside areas of the device under test. In such cases, if leakage is present in the device under test, gas will flow from the higher pressure side of the device to the lower pressure side of the device under test. One way of detecting this flow of gas and the presence of leakage is to use a pressure reducing device that monitors the pressure on the higher pressure side of the device under test. The decrease in pressure can be a leak indication. Another method is to use a mass spectrometer based on the device under test for the presence of tracer gas on the lower pressure side of the device under test. Tracer gas is introduced to the higher pressure side of the device under test.

Such a device provides an operator of the device indicating whether the device under test has a leak or whether the device under test has a leak that exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Typically, the customer specifies the threshold specifically and the operator sets the threshold of the device. If the operator of the leak test device receives an indication from the leak test device that the device under test contains an unacceptable leak, i.e. the leak exceeds the threshold, the operator is rejected. And the operator places the device in the queue for further testing. However, the operator does not have information about the location of the leak or whether the device that is subsequently rejected is roughly leaking from the same or another location.

In order to determine the location of the leak, further testing was conventionally required. Once the location of the leak has been determined, changes can be made during the manufacturing process to further minimize rejected devices. The location of the leak is typically determined in one or two ways. First, for larger leaks, the location of the leak is determined by pressurizing the rejected device and by immersing the rejected device into a water bath. The location of the leak is based on the presence of air bubbles emanating from the leak location. Secondly, for smaller leaks, the location of the leak may be applied by pressurizing the rejected device with the tracer gas over the potential leak area of the rejected device and through a tracer gas detector such as a sniffer apparatus. The decision can be made. The tracker gas detection device draws gas close to and into the probe and into the probe in the tracker gas detection device to detect the presence of the tracker gas. One way to draw gas near the probe is to use a fan unit that draws gas into the probe and gradually passes the detector. The leak location is then recorded and potential changes to the manufacturing process will be implemented.

The two step process described above requires additional resources, delays the determination of the leak location for a given device under test, and delays determining whether the location of the leak is from a rejected device to a rejected device. In addition, the two-step process mentioned above is highly dependent on the operator in that the operator must visually identify the leak location, indicate the leak location and each rejected device is subject to a consistent test procedure. In addition, the results differ from operator to operator for each operator's ability to recognize leaks and indicate leak locations.

In addition, conventional devices often use mass spectrometer equipment to detect the presence of leakage because of the need to detect a small amount of tracer gas. Such a device requires that gas located on the low pressure side of the device under test be drawn to the detecting device to analyze to detect the presence of tracer gas.

In that way, there is a need for a leak detection device that uses an initial leak test of the device to provide an indication of the location of the leak within the device currently under test as a whole. In addition, a need exists for a leak detection device that provides an indication of a leak location and an indication or measurement of a leak speed. In addition, there is a need for leak detection devices that are cost effective.

As one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a leak test device configured to detect the presence of a leak in a device under test. In one embodiment, the leak test apparatus of the present invention is further configured to determine the location of the leak in the device under test. In another embodiment, the leak test device is further configured to determine both the location of the leak and the leak rate of the leak in the device under test.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of at least one leak in at least a first region of a device under test and for locally localizing the location of the at least one leak. The first side of the first zone contains the tracer gas and is at a higher pressure than the second side of the first zone such that the tracer gas can diverge through the at least one leak from the first side to the second side, and the device is A plurality of sensors installed in proximity to the first area, each sensor being configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas emanating from the leak and provide a sensing signal; And the control device is connected to a plurality of sensors. The control device is configured to provide a leak detection signal in response to at least a first sensor of the plurality of sensors detecting the presence of the tracer gas, and the leak detection signal is received from at least a first sensor and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors. Leak detection information indicative of the location of the leak in the first region based on the detection signals. In one embodiment, the device further comprises an indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the location of the leak. In one variant, the indicating device includes a display configured to display a first representation of the device under test and a sensor icon located at the first representation, and the sensor icon is a position of the first sensor adjacent to the location of the leak. Corresponds to In another variant, the indicating device comprises a display for showing a first representation of the device under test and a leak graphic located at the first expression, and the position of the leak graphic is close to the position of the leak sensor. Corresponds to

In one exemplary method, a method of monitoring a device under test to determine whether a first area contains a leak includes positioning a plurality of sensors adjacent to the first area, each of the plurality of sensors. Is configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas emanating from the leak and provide a detection signal; Monitor each of the plurality of sensors to determine if the tracker gas is detected by which of the plurality of sensors; And provide a leak detection signal in response to at least a first of a plurality of sensors detecting the presence of a tracer gas, and the leak detection signal is based on a sense signal received from at least a first sensor and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors. To include leak position information indicating the position of the leak in the first region. In one embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises providing a first indication of the location of the leak. In one variant, the first indication includes displaying on the display a first representation of the device under test and a sensor icon located at the first representation, the sensor icon corresponding to the location of the first sensor near the location of the leak. do. In another variant, the first indication includes presenting on the display a first representation of the device under test and a leak graphic located at the first representation, wherein the location of the leak graphic is adjacent to the location of the leak sensor. Corresponds to

In another exemplary embodiment a computer readable medium for use in a leak test application to determine which of the plurality of sensors is adjacent to a leak in the device under test loads a data file corresponding to the location of the plurality of sensors into a program. Determine the location of the leak if at least one of the plurality of sensors detected the presence of a leak, to monitor the plurality of sensors to determine which of the plurality of sensors detected the presence of the leak. And a software portion configured to provide a visual indication of the location of the leak if at least one of the plurality of sensors has detected the presence of the leak. In one embodiment, the software portion is further configured to provide a first representation of the device under test and a first sensor representation of at least the first sensor located at least the first representation of the device under test. In another embodiment, the software portion is further configured to determine the location of the leak by determining which of the plurality of sensors detected the maximum concentration of tracer gas firing from the device under test. In another embodiment, the software portion is further configured to determine the leak rate of the leak in the device under test. In one variant, the software portion is further configured to provide a leak graphic located at the first representation of the device under test at a value adjacent to the location of the leak.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor device configured to detect the presence of a gas such as helium or hydrogen. In one embodiment the sensor device comprises a sensor control device and the sensor device is a sensor device formed of a network capable of sharing information with other devices via a network. In yet another embodiment, the sensor device is configured to detect the presence and concentration of a gas such as helium or gas. In another embodiment, the sensor device is configured to be coupled to the component to detect the presence of gas.

In another further embodiment, a sensor device for detecting the presence of a leak in a device under test where the device under test is pressurized using a gas comprising a tracer gas; A sensor configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas and generate a detection signal; At least a first portion of a sensor included in the housing; And an I / O interface coupled to the housing and configured to provide a first connection corresponding to an analog output and a second connection corresponding to a network output. And is connected to the sensor and the I / O interface and is configured to generate an output signal based on the sense signal generated by the sensor and further whether the network is present across the first connection of the I / O interface. And control the sensor included in the housing and transmitting the data packet for delivery over the network if the network exists. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a thermally conductive transducer. In one variant, a portion of the thermally conductive transducer is accessible from the outside of the housing and is located adjacent to the outside of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the sensor control device is configured to detect the presence of the first network and the presence of at least one additional network. In one variant, the control device is configured to provide an analog output via the first connection if neither the first network nor at least one additional network is present. In yet another embodiment, the control device is a self-contained leak detection device, and the sensor device further comprises a power source located inside the housing and connected to at least the sensor control device and observable from the outside of the housing, the indicating device being instructed. The device is configured to provide an indication of the tracer gas.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a gas sensor device for detecting the presence of a gas includes a housing comprising a first outer surface; A sensor portion comprising a transducer portion located adjacent the first outer surface of the housing to be contactable by the gas and configured to detect the presence of the gas and generate a sensing signal; And a sensor control device included in at least a portion of the housing, coupled to the sensor, and configured to generate an output signal based on a sense signal generated by the sensor. In one embodiment, the gas sensor device further includes an I / O interface coupled to the housing and configured to connect the sensor control device to at least one device remote from the gas sensor control device. In one variant, the output signal of the sensor control device is a scaled analog output signal representing the amount of gas detected by the sensor, and the scaled analog output signal is a signal of the I / O interface. It is made available to at least one remote device via one connection. In another variant, the output signal of the sensor control device is a digital signal indicating the amount of gas detected by the sensor, and the digital signal is available to at least one remote device via a second connection of the I / O interface. Can be made to In another variant, the I / O interface further includes at least one transceiver configured to receive a digital signal from the sensor control device and to generate and transmit a data packet comprising the digital signal. In another embodiment, the gas sensor further comprises an indication device configured to provide a visible indication signal, the visible indication signal indicating the presence of gas and the visible indication signal being observed from outside of the housing. It is possible.

In another exemplary embodiment, a sensor device for use with a network comprises a housing; A sensor comprising a first sensor portion positioned to be in contact with the tracker gas and configured to detect the presence of the tracker gas and generate a sensing signal; A sensor control device coupled to the sensor and configured to generate an output signal based on the sense signal generated by the sensor; A network control device coupled to the sensor control device and configured to generate a network data packet including information based on an output signal generated by the sensor control device; A network interface suitable for connecting to the network control device and for connecting the sensor device to the network, wherein the housing is configured to include at least a first portion of the parser, the sensor control device and the network control device. In yet another embodiment, the sensor device further comprises an indicator device coupled to the sensor control device, and the indicator device is configured to provide status information associated with the sensor control device and the presence of the first indicator device and the tracer gas. And a second indicating device configured to provide an indication of.

Additional features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the appropriate embodiment which is presently recognized as illustrating the best mode for carrying out the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description of exemplary embodiments particularly relates to the accompanying drawings, in which the drawings show the following.

1 shows a diagram of a leak test apparatus of the present invention that is designed for testing for leaks in a device under test having a first potential leak area.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the leak test apparatus of FIG. 1 formed for testing for leaks in a device under test having at least first and second potential leak areas.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sensor arrangement comprising a plurality of sensors and a facility with a plurality of sensors attached, wherein the plurality of sensors are located adjacent to the device under test having the first potential leakage area, and the device under test With the torque converter and the first potential leakage area is a well joint.

4A shows a bottom view of the sensor arrangement and the fixture of FIG. 3 shows each sensing device of a plurality of sensors.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the sensor arrangement and fixing fixture of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the sensor arrangement holding fixture of FIG. 3 and the device under test, showing a sensor arrangement and holding fixture adjacent to the device under test.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of FIG. 5 along lines 6-6 and shows the position of the first sensor and the second sensor in the sensor arrangement relative to the position of the first potential leakage region.

7 shows a flow chart of a first exemplary embodiment of the leak test software, wherein the leak test software has a setting portion and an operator portion.

8 is a flow chart showing a first exemplary embodiment of a setup portion of the leak test software of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of an operator portion of the leak detection software of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a first exemplary embodiment of a test routine of the operator portion of the leak test software shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a test sensor output of the leak test apparatus of the present invention, wherein test data associated with the first exemplary leak test shows output data of five of the sixteen sensors used in the leak test.

FIG. 12 shows the sensor output data of the sensors in the leak test apparatus and shows a linear relationship of the average concentration of tracer gas measured by all sensors in the sensor array as a function of time.

13A illustrates an example sensor icon superimposed on the screen of the device under test.

FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment of a leak graphic superimposed on the screen of the device under test to provide a visualization cue of leakage from the device under test at the location of the sensor icon and the leak graphic of FIG. 13A.

14 shows a diagram of a dual mode sensor device formed to detect the presence of a tracer gas.

15 shows a diagram of a sensor device configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas and provide an output signal to a remote device.

16 shows a diagram of a sensor device formed of a standalone leak detection device.

17 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device of the dual mode sensor device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a thermally conductive sensor device for use in a sensor device such as the sensor device of FIGS. 14-17.

19 shows a first perspective view of the exterior of the sensor device of FIG. 17 in combination with the thermally conductive sensor of FIG. 18.

20 shows a second perspective view of the exterior of the sensor device of FIG. 17, showing the pointing device and the I / O interface.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of a first exemplary embodiment of sensor software for a sensor device.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow chart of a first interrupt routine of the sensor software of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart of a second exemplary interrupt routine of the sensor software of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of a third exemplary interrupt routine of the sensor software of FIG. 21.

25 shows a first perspective view of the exterior of the sensor device, showing the sensor device accessible from the outside.

FIG. 26 shows a second perspective view of the exterior of the sensor device of FIG. 25 and shows an I / O interface.

FIG. 27 shows a diagram of the sensor device of the present invention coupled as a sensor in a component such as an automobile.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the invention by the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is defined in the appended claims and includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Leak detector

1, a diagram of a leak detection apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The leak detection apparatus 100 includes a test area 102, a plurality of sensors 106 (some of these sensors 106a and 106b are shown by way of example), a control device 108 and an indicating device 110. do. Although only two sensors 106a and 106b are shown in FIG. 1, multiple sensors should be considered to include two, three or more sensors. Test area 102 is configured to receive a device under test 112 having at least a first potential leak area 114. Exemplary latent leak zones include weld zones and joints. However, in one embodiment, the entire surface of the device under test, or a portion thereof, can be tested for potential leakage and therefore the entire surface or a portion thereof can be considered a potential leakage area. In one embodiment, the test area 102 is configured to receive a device under test 112 and to locate a plurality of sensors 106 associated with a potential leak area 114 of the device under test 112. At least one fixing fixture (not shown) formed. In yet another embodiment, test zone 102 further includes a pressure chamber (not shown). The pressure chamber is configured to pressurize a large amount of air around the device under test 112.

In the presented embodiment, the control device 108 includes a computer 116 and a programmable logic control device (PLC) 118. The computer 116 processes the data received from the multiple sensors 106, identifies the location of the leak, provides a signal to the indicating device 110 of the location of the leak, and stores the leaked data for future analysis. It is formed to be provided for the possibility. In yet another embodiment, the computer 116 is further configured to quantitatively indicate the leak rate of the leak and to provide a signal to the display device 110 of the leak rate. Exemplary computer 116 is an EMAC industrial computer available from EMAC, Inc., P.O.Box 2042, Carbondale, IL 62902.

The PLC 118 is configured to control the physical motion of the leak test apparatus 100. Exemplary PLC 118 is model number SLC 5/05 available from Allen Bradley through Rockwell Automation, located at US Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1400 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. In one embodiment, the PLC 118 is an example to secure the device under test 112 to the corresponding fixture or fixtures in the test area 102 formed to secure the device under test 112. For example to form components such as a cylinder and to position a plurality of sensors 106a and 106b adjacent to the potential leakage region 114. PLC 118 is further configured to control charging and emptying of the device under test 112 as a tracer gas. In an alternative embodiment, the PLC 118 is configured to control the filling and emptying of the pressure chamber of the test area 102 with the tracer gas. The use of PLC 118 to control the filling and emptying of the device under test with tracer gas is known in the art.

PLC 118 is further coupled to human-machine interface (HMI) 119. The HMI 119 allows the operator of the leak test device 100 to test for controlling the set position or leak rate corresponding to an unacceptable leak in the device under test and or the length of the test cycle for the device under test 112. An exemplary interface for inputting parameters, such as a timer value, to the leak test apparatus 100 is provided. An exemplary HMI becomes a panel-view standard terminal available from Allen Bradley through Rockwell Automation, located at US Bank Center, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1400 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. In the embodiment shown, HMI 119 is connected to control device 108 via a network, such as network 120 described below. In an alternative embodiment, the HMI 119 is directly connected to the control device 108.

In another embodiment, the PLC 118 receives parameters from a computer 116 or from a remote computer (not shown) via a network, such as network 120. In a further embodiment, the PLC 118 receives parameters from a computer readable medium (not shown) connected to the PLC 118 so as to be replaceable, or from a computer 116 or a remote computer (not shown). .

In one embodiment of the leak test apparatus 100, the PLC 118 is further configured to perform an initial knock-out or full leak test on the device under test 112, such as a pressure decay test. do. The use of PLCs, such as PLCs, to test pressure attenuation tests on the device under test is known in the art. If the device 112 fails the full leak test then the device under test 112 may be tested for more accurate gas or as a fine leak test described below, unless it is necessary to locate the full leak accurately. It doesn't have to be this. In one variant, a full leak test, such as a pressure decay test, is conducted simultaneously with the fine leak test. When the pressure decay test and the fine leakage test are simultaneously induced, the pressure decay test uses a gas including the tracer gas.

In an exemplary embodiment, the computer 116 and the PLC 118 are connected together via the network 120. Network 120 is configured to allow computer 116 and PLC 118 to share information. Exemplary networks include wireless or cellular networks, such as wired networks, RF networks, or IR networks, Ethernet networks or token ring networks, wide area networks, control device area networks (CANs), connections to the Internet or intranets, RS232 connections, RS485 A local area network or computer, such as a connection or other suitable network, and a method of making a connection to the PLC 118. The computer 116 and the PCL 118 are quantitatively controlled in various processes during the manufacture of additional devices or devices under test 112 via a network 120 such as a remote computer (not shown). The connection can be to a remote device located at. In such a way, feedback may be provided to those or manufacturers who have a quantitative control that is immediately interested in the leak location in the rejected devices or who cares about any correlation between the leak locations of the rejected devices. have.

In alternative embodiments, control device 108 is included in a single computer, such as computer 116, configured to perform the functions described above on both computer 116 and PLC 118. In one embodiment, the HMI 119 is a touch screen, light pen, mouse, roller pen, or keyboard.

As already described above, for the microleakage test, the control device 108 is configured to provide a gas comprising a tracer gas to either the inside of the device under test 112 or the outside of the device under test 112. . It is known in the art to seal the device so that the tracer gas remains on either the inside or outside of the device under test 112 when there is no leakage in the device under test 112. If the tracer gas is supplied inside the device under test then the test area 102 does not require a pressure chamber, while if the tracer gas is supplied outside of the device under test 112 then the test area 102 Includes a pressure chamber (not shown) to allow the device under test 112 to be pressurized.

The tracer gas is introduced to either the exterior or interior of the device under test 112 so that the exterior or interior that contains the tracer gas is at a higher pressure with respect to the interior or exterior of the exterior that does not contain the tracer gas. Becomes Therefore, a pressure difference is created between the inside of the device under test 112 and the outside of the device under test 112, and the higher pressure area corresponds to the area containing the tracer gas. In that way, if the device under test 112 contains a leak, the tracer gas will discharge or flow from the higher pressure region to the lower pressure region. In one embodiment the tracer gas is helium. In another embodiment the tracer gas is hydrogen.

If the presence of tracer gas in the low pressure region is indicated, the leak test apparatus 100 is configured to detect the presence of a leak in the device under test 112. The leak test device 100 is further configured to continue leaking, whereby the device under test 112 monitors the leak for a test period corresponding to the value of the test timer provided by the PLC 118. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 106 is installed adjacent to the potential leakage area 114. As already described, it is contemplated to place more sensors than two sensors 106 adjacent to the region 114. The sensor 106 is connected to the control device 108 and is configured to provide a sensing signal indicative of detection of the tracer gas. In one embodiment the sensing signal is proportional to the concentration of the tracer gas. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 106a and 106b are connected to the control device 108 via the network 122 and each of the sensors 106a and 106b generates a sense signal and converts the network (or network message or data packet) Network 122 is generally similar to network 120 in order to provide a sense signal to control device 108 via 122. In an alternative embodiment the control device 108 is directly connected to the control device 108 in order to receive a sense signal from each sensor as a direct input, such as an analog signal.

The control device 108 is configured to receive a sense signal from the sensor 106 and to determine whether the sense signal indicates that a leak is present in the device under test 112. As will be explained in more detail below, the location of the leak can be inferred by monitoring the respective sensing signals from the sensor 106. As will be explained in further detail below, if the sensor forms an area of contamination or accumulation volume, the leak rate of leakage is inferred by sensing the entire sensing signal, such as the sensing signal from both sensors 106 or Can be made quantitative.

The indicating device 106 is connected to the control device 108 and is configured to provide an indication signal to the operator of the leak testing device 100 for the presence and location of the leak in the device under test 112. The control device 108 is configured to provide a leak detection signal to the indicating device 110 in response to at least one sensor 106a, 106b that detects the presence of the tracer gas. In addition, the leak detection signal of the control device 108 may be provided to another device, such as a remote control device (not shown). The leak detection signal includes information indicative of the location of the leak and / or information related to the leak rate of the leak.

In the embodiment shown, the indicating device 110 is directly connected to the control device 108. In another embodiment, the indicating device 110 is connected to the control device 108 over a network such as the network 120. Exemplary indication signals include a signal to the network device that includes the location of the leak, an audio message, a visual text message of the location of the leak, or a visual image of the device under test with the leak graphic located at the location of the leak. In one embodiment, the indicating device 110 is further configured to provide an indication of the leak rate of the leak. The indication of the leak rate can be included in the same signal as the location of the leak and can be transmitted in a second indication signal.

Referring to FIG. 2, a leak test apparatus 100 ′ is shown in a configuration for monitoring a device under test 212 having at least two potential leak regions 214a, 214b. The leak test apparatus 100 ′ is generally similar to the leak test apparatus 100. In that way the same reference numerals are used for components common to both the leak test apparatus 100 and the leak test apparatus 100 '. As shown in FIG. 2, a first sensor array 224a comprising a plurality of sensors, such as sensors 106a and 106b, is located proximate to the first potential leakage area 214a and sensors 206a and 206b. The second sensor array 224b, which includes a plurality of sensors, such as 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f, 206g, is located proximate the second potential leakage area 214b. The sensors 206a-206g are generally the same as the sensors 106a, 106b. As described above, the sensors are connected to the control device 108 via the network 122 or directly, or through either.

In one embodiment, the arrangement of the sensors 224a and 224b is made into a group of sensors 106a and 106b and sensors 206a-206g, respectively. In yet another embodiment the sensor arrangement 224a, 224b corresponds to a network device configured to relay network traffic from each of the sensors to another network component such as, for example, the control device 108. In one embodiment, the sensor arrays 224a and 224b are network routers. In another embodiment, the sensor arrangement 224a, 224b is configured to be a control device and to receive data from each sensor and to compile network messages to other network devices based on the data received from each sensor. do. In one embodiment each of the sensors is connected to the sensor array controller via a network similar to the network 122. In another embodiment each of the sensors is directly connected to the sensor array control and provides an analog output. The network message compiled by the sensor array control device can be a signal relay from the respective sensors, an indication of the leak location or an indication of the leak rate of the leak.

Although the present invention may be practiced using a single sensor located proximate to area 214a and a single sensor located proximate to area 214b, either the latent leak area 214a or the leak area 214b. The more sensors that are located in close proximity, the greater the accuracy of the leak detection apparatus 100 'in order to determine the leak location and / or to quantify the leak rate. In such a way such connections do not require the control device 108 with a large amount of data input, but only allow access to the network to communicate with the control device 108. It is appropriate to connect 206a-g, 106a, 106b to the control device 108 via a network.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary sensor arrangement 130 includes a plurality of sensors 132a-1. The sensor array 130 is configured to be used with the leak detection device 100 or the leak detection device 100 '. As shown in FIG. 4A, each sensor 132a-1 includes a sensor device or transducer 134a-1. In a suitable embodiment the sensors 132a-1 are formed as an interface with a network such as a control unit area network (CAN) network or an RS-485 network. An example sensor for use over either a CAN network or RS-485 is the sensor 300 shown in FIGS. 14-24 below. As will be described below, in the connection with the sensor 300, the sensing device or transducer 134a-l of the sensor 132a-l is in case the tracer gas is in contact with the sensing device or transducer 134a-l. It is configured to detect the presence of tracer gas. Although the sensor 300 described below can function in both analog mode and digital mode, it is necessary and additional to the sensors 312a-l in the appropriate embodiment to be able to function only in network mode. It should be understood that there is only a need to be formed for one network, either RS-485 or CAN. In an alternative embodiment the sensors 132a-1 are formed for two or more sensors.

The sensors 132a-1 of the sensor array 130 relate to the potential leakage region of the device under test, such as the welding 134 of the torque transducer 136 shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. In order to be easy to position it is attached to the fixing facility (133). The stationary fixture 133 has the sensor 132a-1 adjacent to the weld 134 of the torque transducer 136 in a repetitive fashion such that the sensor 132a is always positioned adjacent the portion 138. To be positioned. In that way, if the leakage is present in the portion 138 of the weld 134 in the first torque transducer 136 and the subsequent torque transducer 136, the sensor 132a, which is the same sensor, is subject to leakage. It will be marked as adjacent.

3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6, the fixture 133 may diverge from the interior region 142 of the device 136 through a leak such as a leak 144 within the weld 134. It is configured to form an internal area or integrated space 140 (see FIG. 6) with device 134 where tracer gas can be collected. The divergent tracer gas is collected inside the interior region 140 to allow monitoring of the leakage rate of leakage quantitatively indicative of changes in tracer gas concentration over time. In one embodiment, the interior region 142 is not sealed to prevent pressure from building up in the interior region and thereby to slow down the leakage 144 which may result in inaccurate calculation of the leak rate. It becomes an area that does not.

In an alternative embodiment, the fixture for securing the sensor arrangement holds the sensors and repeatedly positions the sensors with respect to the potential leakage area. However, the fixture does not form an interior area in which divergent tracer gas is collected. In such a way, the fixture does not allow the calculation of the leak rate to be merely an indication of the location of the leak relative to the potential leakage area.

Referring to FIG. 6, sensor 132f is located adjacent to leak 144. In that way, the sensing device 134f will detect the presence of the tracer gas emanating from the leak 144 before the sensing device 134f of the sensor 132a detects the presence of the tracer gas. Additionally over time sensor 134f will have a maximum response compared to sensor 132a, meaning that sensor 132f will detect a higher concentration of tracer gas than sensor 132a. As will be explained below, one or both of these facts are used to detect the location 144 of the leak. In addition, as will be described below, the geometry of the fixture 133 allows the tracer gas emanating from the leak 144 to be retained in the interior region 140 generally, so that the response of all the sensors 132a-l The sum or average is used to determine the leak rate associated with leak 144.

7-10, an exemplary embodiment of the leak test software 600 is shown. The leak test software 600 is configured to be executed by the control device 106 in connection with the fine leak test. For example, for testing the device 136 of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the software 600 may be coupled to the sensor array 130 and the sensors 132a-1 associated with the test device 136. And to provide an indication of the location of the leak 144 and / or provide an indication of the leak rate associated with the leak 144 via a network such as do. In one embodiment, the control device 108 provides the location of the leak 144 and / or the leak rate of the leak 144 as a leak detection signal. It is contemplated that software 600 may be configured to monitor multiple sensor arrays. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-10, the leak test software 600 is executed by the computer 116 and receives information from and sends information to the PLC 118. In an alternative embodiment, the leak test software 600 is partially executed by the computer 116 and partially executed by the PLC 118. In yet another additional embodiment at least a portion of the functionality of the software 600 is provided in firmware. In another alternative embodiment, software 600 is executed by a remote computer and instructions are provided to control device 108 over a network, such as network 120.

In one embodiment, the software 600 is available as one or more files on a portable computer readable medium, such as a diskette, CD-ROM, compressed disk, tape, memory card, or flash memory card. In one embodiment, software 600 includes an installation program configured to load software 600 into computer 116 and / or to configure software 600. In alternative embodiments, the software and / or installation program are one or more downloadable files that are allowed to be accessed over the network.

With reference to FIG. 7, the leak test software 600 includes a set up portion 602 and a device configured to allow an operator to set parameters related to special tasks, such as testing a particular device under test, such as device 136. An operator portion 604 formed for use by an operator preparing for a leak test. The operator portion 604 is configured to perform parameter setting loading for the particular device under test and to run a test routine 656 to test the first device for leakage.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example setup portion 602 of the software 600 is shown. As represented by block 606, at least a first screen is displayed that indicates the device to be tested. The screen is used to provide a visual indication of the operator of the location of the leak. In the first embodiment, the screen corresponds to a static image of the physical device. In a second embodiment, the screen corresponds to a screen produced from an electronic database of a device, such as a CAD software package. In a third embodiment, the screen corresponds to a three-dimensional model of a device produced from an electronic database, such as a CAD software package.

As indicated by block 608, the operator places a representation of the sensor, such as sensor 132a, on the screen of the device to be tested. In one embodiment, the surface of the sensor is a sensor icon, and a sensor icon such as sensor icon 135a may refer to FIG. 13A, for example. The sensor icon shown in FIG. 13A has a triangular shape. However, it should be appreciated that the sensor icon may be in various forms and may include text in which the sensor number and / or sensor name are displayed. The position of the sensor 132a on the screen corresponds to the position of the physical sensor 132a with respect to the device 136 during the testing of the device 136. However, updating the position of the sensor 132a on the screen does not move the position of the sensor 132a over the physical device. The position of the sensor 132a on the screen is merely a representation of the position of the sensor 132a on the physical device. In this case, the operator updates the information associated with the sensor 132a as represented by block 610. Exemplary sensor information to be updated includes the name of the sensor 132a, the network ID for the sensor 132a, sensor position data related to the sensor group or arrangement of the sensor 132a, and a display for the sensor 132a. Priority or currently displayed screen. Display priority is a parameter associated with a suitable screen for showing leakage from sensor 132a. In the case of a screen, the display primary parameter indicates a default screen used in the process of the operator portion 604.

The software 600 asks whether additional sensors should be displayed on the current screen of the device to be tested, as indicated by block 612. If the additional sensor position is visible on the current screen, the operator selects yes and repeats the above steps for additional sensors. If the additional sensor is not visible on the current screen, the operator is asked to ask whether the additional screen of the device to be tested by software 600 should be loaded, as indicated by block 614 (no ) Must be selected. If additional screens are to be loaded, the operator selects yes and the software 600 will return to block 606. In other cases, as indicated by block 616, the operator is urged to save the sensor mapping file corresponding to the device to be tested. The sensor mapping file includes information input during the setting portion 602. In one embodiment, the sensor mapping file includes at least text that includes a reference to the screen of the device to be tested, a sensor included in each screen, a sensor location for each screen, and sensor parameters for each screen. It becomes a file.

9, an operator portion 604 of software 600 is shown. As represented by block 620, upon initiation of operator portion 604, the operator enters or selects the location of a directory containing a sensor mapping file corresponding to the current device under test, such as device 136. If the operator does not select the appropriate path, the operator is required to enter or select a directory again, as indicated by block 622. Otherwise, if the appropriate path is selected, the operator then selects the correct sensor mapping file 616, as indicated by block 624.

The sensor mapping file is loaded into the memory of the control device 108 and the operator is presented with a list of screens of the device under test included in the sensor mapping file as indicated in block 626. The operator selects a screen from the list and, according to the sensor icon 135, the screen selected is represented on the display as shown in blocks 628 and 630. By having the operator select a screen for observation, a visual inspection can be made by the operator to ensure that the selected sensor mapping file corresponds to the device to be tested.

At this point, as indicated by block 632, the operator may proceed to change the sensor information or sensor position or to start the test. If an update is required, the operator selects the sensor to be updated as indicated by block 634. The operator may manually update the location of the selected sensor by entering new information or by moving the corresponding sensor icon 135 in relation to the screen of the device. However, the user merely changes the position of the sensor on the screen, not the actual physical sensor position. By either of these methods, the new sensor location is received and the sensor table is updated as indicated by blocks 636, 638, 640. In addition, as indicated by blocks 642, 644, 646, the operator may update sensor information such as display priority, sensor name, or sensor ID. In one embodiment, when the failed sensor is replaced with a new sensor having different network IDs, the sensor information should be updated.

The operator can now select a new sensor and update either the sensor location or sensor information associated with the sensor as indicated in block 648. If additional sensors are selected, the process described above with respect to blocks 636, 638, 640, 644 and 646 is repeated. Once an update has been made for the sensor's location or sensor information, the operator must either perform a change to the sensor mapping file or discard the change, and this is indicated at block 650. . If the changes are to be saved, the software 600 inquires about whether to start the test routine and this procedure is indicated at blocks 652, 654, 656. If the change is discarded, the operator is again presented with the choice of updating the sensor location or sensor information, and this process is indicated at block 632.

Once an update has been made to the displayed screen, as indicated by blocks 654, 656, 658, 660, 662, the operator starts a test routine as indicated by block 656, and block 660. End the program as shown, and select a new sensor mapping file (blocks 662, 620) or additional screens associated with the current sensor mapping file (blocks 662, 626, 628). In one embodiment, the operator may select an additional screen associated with the sensor mapping file to update the sensor location or sensor conditioning associated with the sensor mapping file that is not visible in the previously displayed screen. In addition, in one embodiment, the software recognizes the sensor position change or sensor information change on the first screen and updates the corresponding sensor position or sensor information for additional screens including the sensor.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary test routine 656 is shown. As shown in blocks 664 and 665, when the test routine is initiated, the selected sensor mapping file, such as block 664, is loaded and the associated device image or screen, such as block 665, is loaded. One of the device images has a parameter value indicating the device as the default device image. The default device image appears on the display as shown in block 668. The display of the default image provides the operator with a visual clue that the software 600 has loaded the correct sensor mapping file and the corresponding device image.

The software 600 waits for a start test signal from the PLC indicating that the device under test is ready for testing, as indicated by block 670. In one embodiment, the signal from the PLC is such that the device under test is properly positioned in the test area 102, the sensor 132 is in mode correct position, the tracer gas is properly introduced and the device under test This corresponds to a situation where the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the Once the start test signal is received from the PLC 118, a command is issued to all sensors 132 as indicated at block 672 and the test timer is started as indicated at block 672. . The test timer defines the length of the test for the device 136. If no leak is detected in the device 136 during the operation of the test timer, the device 136 is approved. In one embodiment of the test routine 656, either the leak detection or the elapse of the test timer is reset so that the test routine starts testing against the second device, where the second device is generally Same as the first device. In that way, once the operator starts the test routine 656, the operator does not have to repeat through additional prompts in the operator portion 604, such as the second pre-test blocks 620, 624, 628. do.

As indicated by block 676, the software monitors the network 122 to determine whether data has been received from the sensor 132 or other component on the network 122. If data is received via network 122, a determination is made as to whether the data corresponds to the detection of the tracer gas, as indicated at block 678. In one embodiment, the determination depends on whether the amount of tracer gas detected exceeds the threshold set by a parameter in the sensor mapping file. If the data does not correspond to detection of the tracer gas, a test timer is checked to determine whether the test procedure is complete, as indicated at block 680. Illustrative examples of data that do not correspond to detection of tracer gas include sensor state data such as whether sensor 132 is operating properly or if an error has occurred.

If the data does not correspond to the detection of the tracer gas, then the data and subsequent data are analyzed as indicated in block 685. As indicated by block 686, data is analyzed to determine the location of the leak and the local routine. In one embodiment, the data is further analyzed to determine the rate of leakage and the leak rate routine as indicated at block 688. Leak rate routine 688 is generally executed in conjunction with local routine 686. Both local routine 686 and leak rate routine 688 provide an indication of leakage to the device 136, such as visualization of the leak on the screen or image of the test device, which allows the operator to easily indicate the location and size of the leak. Provide the information you create. For example, the leak graphic 137 shown in FIG. 13B indicates detection of leaks by sensor 132f. Additional indications of leakage include signals sent by the control unit 108 to remote devices such as computers in qualitative control or manufacturing areas, text messages, voice alerts or flash lights visible on the HMI unit associated with the PLC 118. Contains the same visible clues.

Local routine 686 determines the location of the leak by finding a sensor that detects the largest concentration of tracer gas, as indicated by block 690. The location of the leak correlates with the location of this sensor as indicated at block 696. The screen of the device 136, which provides an optimal observation of the location of the leak, is automatically selected as indicated in block 694 and displayed according to the indication of the leak location. The screen to be displayed is based on the display preferences for the sensors in the sensor mapping file. In the first embodiment, flashing the sensor icon or changing the color or other attribute of the icon is a visible clue of the leak location. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13B, the leak location is represented by a leak graphic 137 representing the divergence of the tracer gas from the leak location. In a further embodiment, the leak graphic of FIG. 13B becomes a moving graphic to cause the graphic to simulate a gas emanating from the leak location. In yet another additional embodiment, the leak graphic is flashed to further indicate the location of the leak. Both exemplary sensor icons and leak graphics are shown in FIG. 13B.

In alternative embodiments, the location of the leak is determined by a sensor that first detects the tracer gas. In a further alternative embodiment, the location of the leak is determined by a sensor that first detects the presence of a tracer gas above the threshold. In another alternative embodiment, in which two adjacent sensors report both similar directions of the tracer gas, the location of the leak is half the position between the sensors or the values reported by each sensor in relative weights. It is determined that it is between the positions of two adjacent sensors closer to the first of the adjacent sensors.

In addition, the device under test should be considered to include one or more leaks. Multiple leaks can occur in the same potential leak area or in different leak areas. When each sensor in a different potential leak zone reports detection of a leak zone, the location routine 686 and speed routine 688 described above are each derived in the zone. In embodiments where multiple leaks are in the same potential leak area, the software recognizes the multiple leaks by detection of the tracer gas by two non-adjacent sensors that raise the leak condition. For example, each of the two non-adjacent sensors records the local maximum value of the tracer gas concentration, or each of the two non-adjacent sensors records the presence of the tracer gas before the intermediate sensors record the tracer gas. do.

In the case of multiple leaks it is possible to show multiple images of the device under test on the display at the same time as a separate screen. Multiple screens of the device under test are necessary because the appropriate screen of each sensor may be a different image, or at least one of the sensors corresponding to the leak may not be visible in the proper image of the other sensors.

A leak rate routine 688 is formed to determine the leak rate of the identified leak. As indicated by block 696, the readings are summed and averaged from each sensor associated with that sensor array in order for the sensor array to detect leakage. In addition, these average sensor measurements are monitored over time and the average rate of change in the average sensor measurements is calculated and this process is indicated at block 698. In a typical leak test situation, the test cycle and test size are made such that the rate of change of the average sensor reading is linear throughout. In such a way, determining the slope of a straight line that approximates the mean sensor reading over time approximates the leak rate.

The rate of change in average sensor readings is scaled in units of leak rate, and this process is indicated at block 700. In one embodiment, the adjustment of the size is achieved by comparing the inclination ratio determined from block 698 and the inclination ratio for known leakage, taking into account the scale volume of the fixture, including the sensor such as fixture fixture 133. Is done. The rate of change in the mean sensor reading is directly proportional to the leak rate of the leak and inversely proportional to the volume of the integrated volume. In addition, the rate of leakage is represented on the device screen or image depending on the location of the leak determined by the local routine 686. In one embodiment, the leak rate is represented by a numerical value approaching the leak location. In another embodiment, the leak rate is simulated by the choice of leak graphic used to simulate the leak (see FIG. 13B). For example, a graphic showing small leaks emanating from a leak location is used for high leak rates while a graphic showing small leaks emanating from a leak location is used for small leak rates.

11 and 12, an example sensor output corresponding to a leak test of a device 136 with a leak test device 100 is shown. For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 a known leak 144 is introduced into the device in the vicinity of the potential leak area 134. Further known leak 144 was sized to have a known leak rate equal to 0.1 scc / min (standard cubic centimeters per minute). A tracer gas is provided to the interior 142 of the device 134 via a valve to allow the reaction time of the system 100 to be determined to test the leak test software 600.

FIG. 11 provides each sensor measurement over time for five of the sixteen sensors located adjacent to the potential leakage area. The five selected sensors correspond to the four sensors closest to the leak 144 and the sensor located at the end of the leak 144. It should be noted that the sixteen sensors exceed the twelve sensors 132a-1 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. In that way, the results shown in FIG. 11 provide a higher exact location of the leak 144 than the results of the twelve sensor arrangements shown in FIGS.

Referring to FIG. 11, the sensor indicated by sensor 13 shows the first detection of tracer gas and also indicates the highest recorded concentration of tracer gas as indicated by data stream 160. Sensors labeled sensors 12, 14, and 15 are adjacent to sensor 13 and represented by data sequences 162, 164, and 166, respectively. Each of the sensors 12, 14, 15 detects the presence of the tracer gas slightly after the sensor 13 and each of the sensors 12, 14, 15 detects a concentration of the tracer gas lower than the sensor 13. . In that way, the location of the leak 144 is adjacent to the sensor 13. However, it should be noted that the strong response of the sensor 14 and the similar response of the sensors 12, 15 suggest that the leakage is roughly located midway between the sensors 13, 14. In addition, the data sequence 168 corresponding to the sensor indicated by the sensor 5 located at the distal end with respect to the sensor 13 allows the sensors located further away from the leak 144 to detect the tracer gas and to detect the sensors 12, 14. 15, for delaying the measured concentration of tracer gas for sensors further adjacent to the leak 144, such as 15).

Referring to FIG. 12, two data sequences 170 and 172 are shown. The data sequence 170 corresponds to the on of the leak 144 indicated by the portion 174 of the continuous 170 and the off of the leak 144 indicated by the portion 176 of the continuous 170. Leakage 144 is turned on by introducing a tracer gas into the interior 142 of device 136 through the valve and off by closing the valve. Data sequence 172 corresponds to the average value of the concentration of tracer gas for all sensors in the sensor array over time. It is proposed that the linear region 180 of the data sequence 172 within approximately three seconds of time allows the system to determine the leakage rate in approximately three to five seconds for leakage of the magnitude of the known leakage 144. To develop. In addition, the region of the continuous 172 becomes very linear, suggesting that the slope of the region 180 provides a good approximation of the leak rate of the leak 144.

Referring to FIG. 10, the test timer has priority over local routine 686 and speed routine 688. In such a manner, when the test timer has elapsed, an end command is issued to the sensors, and this process is indicated at block 682. In addition, the final leak rate is calculated and transmitted to the PLC, which is shown in block 684. Alternatively, the final leak rate is made available to additional devices in the network 122.

Sensor devices for the detection of gases

Referring to FIG. 14, a sensor device 300 is shown. The sensor device 300 is configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas, and provide a suitable output for communicating the detection of the presence of a gas. In a first application the sensor device is configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas such as helium or hydrogen in the case of leak test applications. In a second application the sensor device 300 is configured to detect the presence of a gas such as helium or hydrogen and to be combined with the design of a component such as a safety sensor, and exemplary components may be used in automobiles, trucks, Subsystems of these devices such as aircraft, ship and fuel systems, exhaust systems, passenger cabin systems and cargo systems.

The sensor device 300 in one embodiment can detect the concentration of helium, the tracer gas, with a resolution of about 25 ppm in the range of 0 ppm (1 millionth) to about 5000 ppm. In another embodiment, sensor device 300 may detect a concentration of helium, the tracer gas, with a resolution in the range of about 0 ppm to about 5000 ppm and with a resolution of about 5 ppm. In another embodiment, the sensor device 300 may detect a concentration of helium in excess of about 5000 ppm.

The sensor device 300 can operate in either of two modes of operation. In the first mode of operation the sensor device 300 becomes a self-comprising sensor device or a self-comprising leak test device and provides an indication to the operator of the detection of a gas, such as a tracer gas, by the sensor device 300. In a second mode of operation, sensor device 300 provides a signal to a remote control device and the signal includes information related to detection of a gas, such as a tracer gas, by sensor device 300. Both modes of operation are described in detail below. In one embodiment of the second mode of operation, the sensor device 300 is a sensor capable of network communication providing a signal to a remote control device over a network.

Where sensor device 300 can operate in both modes of operation, sensor device 300 may be a dual mode sensor device or a dual mode leak detection device, although not required in both modes of operation. However, it is understood that the sensor device 300 can be configured either in the first mode of operation, which can only refer to the general sensor device 300 ′ shown in FIG. 15, or in the general sensor device 300 ′ shown in FIG. 16. It is included within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, sensor device 300 becomes a dual mode leak detection device and directly or additional components to sensor 304, power source 306, indicating device 308 and I / O interface 310. It includes a control device 302 connected through. The control device 302, the sensor 304, the power supply 306 and the indicating device 308 are embedded in the housing 312. However, the pointing device 308 is visible from at least the housing 312 and the I / O interface 310 is accessible from outside of the housing 312. In addition, the transducer 314 of the sensing device or sensor 304 is accessible from the exterior of the housing 312 and is generally installed adjacent to the exterior of the housing 312. In that way the sensor device 300 does not require the gas to be tested to be drawn or passed through the internal sensing device for the presence of the tracer gas.

As described in more detail below, the sensor 304 is configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas, and to provide a sensing signal to the control device 302 and the sensing signal is present or absent of the tracer gas. And the amount or size of the tracer gas detected. In one embodiment, the detection signal is proportional to the concentration of the tracer gas detected. The power source 306 is configured to supply power to the control device 302, the sensor 304, the indicating device 308 and / or the I / O interface 310. The indicating device 308 is configured to provide an indication to the operator of the sensor device 300 of the detection of the tracer gas and / or the amount of tracer gas detected. I / O interface 310 is configured to provide an output signal to an external device, and the output signal indicates the detection or lack of tracer gas and / or the amount of tracer gas detected. In addition, the signal may also be considered as an error signal or a sensor status signal. In one embodiment, I / O interface 310 is configured to connect sensor device 300 to a network.

The control device 302 is configured to receive and analyze the sense signal from the sensor 304 or to make additional decisions based on the sense signal from the sensor 304. In addition, the control device 302 is configured to provide an indication signal to the indicating device 308, and the indicating signal indicates the detection and lack of the tracer gas and / or the amount of the detected tracer gas or the control device 302 is configured to provide an I / O signal to the I / O interface 310, and the I / O signal indicates the detection or lack of a tracer gas and / or the amount of tracer gas detected or The control device 302 is configured to provide both an indication signal to the indicating device 308 and an I / O signal to the I / O interface 310.

Referring to Fig. 15, a sensor device 300 'is known. The sensor device 300 'is generally similar to the sensor device 300 when the sensor device 300 is configured to operate in the second mode. In that way the same reference numerals are used for components that are common to both sensor device 300 and sensor device 300 ′. The sensor device 300 'provides a signal to a remote control device (not shown), and the signal includes information related to the detection of gas by the sensor device 300. In one embodiment, the sensor device 300 'is configured to be connected to a net device. In this way, the sensor device 300 'is the same as the sensor device 300 except for the pointing device, such as when the pointing device 308 is not required. In addition, the sensor device 300 ′ is connected to the remote control device via the I / O interface 310, and the power required by the control device 302 and the sensor 304 is replaced by the power source 306. It may be provided through the / O interface 310. Alternatively, power source 306 is included in sensor device 300 'in situations where remote power source is not available, such as in a wireless network. In addition, although similar to the electronics of the sensor device 300 as a whole, the electronic devices of the sensor device 300 'do not need the sensor 300' to provide at least an analog output and control the pointing device. And it can be simpler because of the fact that there is no need to control the power supply.

Referring to Fig. 16, a sensor device 300 'is shown. When sensor device 300 is configured to operate in a first mode corresponding to a self-contained sensor device that provides an indication to an operator of detection of tracer gas by sensor device 300, It is similar to the sensor device 300 as a whole. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components common to both the sensor device 300 and the sensor device 300 '. The sensor device 300 'is generally similar to the sensor device 300 except for the I / O interface, such that no I / O interface 310 is required. In addition, although electronically similar to the sensor device 300 as a whole, the electronic devices of the sensor device 300 'at least do not require an I / O interface and the sensor needs to be able to organize data and information for delivery over the network. Can be simpler due to the fact that

Referring to FIG. 17, one embodiment of a dual mode sensor device 450 is shown. Sensor device 450 is generally similar to sensor device 302 and includes a control device 452, a sensor 454, a power source 456, an indication device 458, and an I / O device or interface 460. And each is similar to the I / O device or interface 310 of the control device 302, the sensor 304, the power supply 306, the indicating device 308 and the sensor device 300 as a whole. The sensor device 450 further includes a series of inputs 464 and is programmed and stored in or accessed by the control device 452 to change the configuration of the control device 452. And a programming input 463 configured to provide a parameter value. In one embodiment, programming unit 452 is used to modify the network ID assigned to sensor device 450 for use as a CAN network.

The sensor 454 of the sensor device 450 includes a thermally conductive sensor 466 and the associated sensor circuit 468 includes an amplifier circuit 470. Thermally conductive circuit 466 is a sensing device or transducer 467 (see FIG. 18), such as a member lane (not shown) that is heated above ambient temperature, a measurement resistor or series of resistors 472 that measure the temperature of the member lane. ) And an ambient temperature reference resistor or series of resistors 474 to compensate for the ambient temperature change. As shown in FIG. 18, the sensing device or transducer 467 is located outside the sensor 466. In the embodiment shown, the thermal conductivity sensor 466 becomes model number MTCS-2202 available from Micronsens SA located in Rue Jaquet-Droz 1, CH-2007 Neuchatel, Switzerland. Alternative sensors include other suitable thermal conductivity sensors, sonic transducers, optical feedback transducers, and other suitable sensors capable of detecting the presence of a tracer gas.

The thermal conductivity sensor 406 measures the presence and concentration of the tracer gas by comparing the measurement of the temperature of the member lane and the resistance of the measurement resistor 472, which becomes the resistance of the reference resistor 474.

Gases having a lower thermal conductivity than air cause a change in the surface temperature of the sensor membrane and thereby a change in the resistance of the measurement resistance 472. Thus, when the tracer gas becomes either helium or hydrogen, the presence of either helium or hydrogen adjacent to the sensor membrane causes a change in the surface temperature of the sensor membrane and thereby a change in the resistance of the measurement resistance 472. Results in. In addition, the resistance of the measurement resistance 472 further changes as the concentration of either helium or hydrogen adjacent the sensor membrane increases.

A suggested sensor circuit 468 including an amplifier 470 is recommended by the manufacturer of a thermally conductive sensor 366, such as Microsens SA. In alternative embodiments, variations of the sensor circuit are contemplated. The output of 470 corresponds to the sense signal of sensor 454 and is provided to control device 472 via connection 473. In one embodiment, the control signal is proportional to the concentration of the detected tracer gas. The voltage value of the output of the amplifier 470 directly depends on the resistance of the measurement resistor 472. As a result, detection of either helium or hydrogen by the measurement resistor 472 causes the output of the amplifier 470. Will result in a decrease in voltage.

The power source 456 includes a power supply 474 and a voltage regulator 476 represented by the indication “5 VDC”. The indication “5 VDC” is shown several times in FIG. 17 for convenience and each example indicates a power supply 474. In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply 474 is a portable power supply such as a battery. In another exemplary embodiment, the power supply 474 is an external power supply, such as the output of an AC adapter connected to a standard electrical outlet. In yet another embodiment, the power supply 474 is an external power source that provides power to the sensor device 4500 via the I / O interface 460.

The voltage regulation device 476 is configured to provide a constant voltage source to the sensor 454 and the control device 452 as a whole. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage regulator 476 includes a circuit chip 477 model number ADR421 available from Analog Devices, located in One Technology Way, P.O.Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 452 includes a MicroConverter® model number AduC834 available from Analog Devices. The control device 452 becomes a programmable device and includes a program memory (not shown) and data memory (not shown). In the present invention, the control device 452 receives the sensed signal from the sensor 454 via a connection 473 and analyzes the sensed signal and / or additionally transmits to a command or program stored in the sensed signal and the control device 452. It is configured to make additional decisions based on this. In one embodiment, the control device 452 scales the supervisory signal to generate a sensed signal from the sensor 454 into a digital signal and to generate an output signal for providing to the I / O interface 460. In one embodiment, the output signal is an analog signal generated by a digital-to-analog converter (D / A). In another embodiment, the output signal is a digital signal. In addition, in one embodiment, the control device 452 generates an indication signal for providing to the indicating device 458.

In the presented embodiment, the indicating device 458 includes a first light emitting diode (“LED”) 478 and a second LED 480. LED 478 provides light that is visible from outside of sensor device 450 having a first color, such as green. The green light of the LED 478 is provided in response to receiving the first indication signal from the control device 452 corresponding to the power for the state of the sensor device 450. As such, LED 478 provides the operator of sensor device 450 with visible clues that sensor device 450 is receiving power and functioning. In an alternative embodiment, the first LED is controlled by the control device for flashing during the warm-up period of the sensor device and to provide a continuous signal when the sensor device is ready for testing.

LED 480 provides visible light from the exterior of the housing of sensor device 450 having a second color, for example red. The red light of the LED 480 is provided in response to receiving a second indication signal from the control device 452 corresponding to the detection of the presence of the tracer gas by the sensor device. As such, LED 480 provides the operator with a visual cue that the tracer gas was detected. In a leak test application, the LED 480 provides the operator with a visible clue that the device under test has a leak near the sensor 454. In another embodiment, the LED 480 becomes a bi-color LED, such as model number 591-3001-013 available from Dialight Corporation, 1501 Route 34 South Farmingdale, NJ07727. The wavelength emitted by the bi-color LED 480 depends on the signal provided to the LED 480. For example, the wavelength can vary from a typical green wavelength to a concentration of various colors of a typical orange wavelength and to a general red wavelength. As such, in one embodiment the dual-color LED 480 is a clue to the concentration of the tracer gas (from green for low concentration to red for higher concentration) detected by the operator of the sensor device 450. To provide. In another embodiment, the bi-color LED 480 emits a green wavelength for low concentrations and a red wavelength for concentrations above the threshold. In an alternative embodiment, the second LED provides a continuous signal for flashing during the test period of the leak test application of the sensor device and if the presence of the tracer gas is detected by the sensor and if the test period is tracer gas. If it is concluded that there is no detection, the control is controlled by the control unit so as not to emit light.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, an exemplary embodiment is shown that includes a housing 496 of the sensor device 450. The housing 496 is configured to house a control device 452, a sensor 454, a power source 456 (if included) and an indicating device. Additionally, housing 496 is configured to house a portion of device 460, such as CAN transceiver, CAN control device 494, and RS-485 transceiver 490. However, as shown in FIG. 19, the transducer 467 of the sensing device or thermally conductive sensor 466 is positioned to be accessible from the outside of the housing 496 and to be close to the housing 496 as a whole. In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the pointing device 458 is at least observable from the exterior of the housing 496.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first portion 497 of the housing 496 connects the housing 496 to another component, such as the fixture 133 shown in FIG. 3 in a leak test application. It is configured to let. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 497 is in the threaded form such that the first portion 497 can travel along the thread into the threaded aperture (not shown). The nut 498 is shown as being threaded over the first portion 497. The nut 498 assists in controlling the degree of engagement between the first portion 497 and threaded apertures (not shown). The second portion 499 of the housing 496 is configured to be engaged by the tool. In the embodiment shown, the second portion 499 uses a threaded aperture to allow the second portion 499 to be clamped by a wrench to assist in the engagement or loosening of the first portion. It is made of small cotton to do.

Referring again to FIG. 17, in the presented embodiment, I / O interface 460 is configured to provide one of three outputs to an external device. First, I / O interface 460 is configured to provide an analog signal via connection 482 that is connected to control device 452 via connection 484. In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 452 provides an analog signal scaled between 0 and 2.5 volts representing the sense signal from the sensor 454.

Second, I / O interface 460 is configured to provide RS-485 network conformance signals via connections 486 and 488. I / O interface 460 includes a suitable transceiver 490 configured to apply to the RS-485 standard for communicating with other devices configured to apply to the RS-485 standard over a network. The RS-485 transceiver 490 is controlled by the control device through various connections. In the embodiment shown, RS-485 transceiver 490 becomes model number ADM485 available from Analog Devices.

Third, the I / O interface is configured to provide CAN network conformance signals via connections 486 and 488 or additional connections. The I / O interface is configured to be applied to the CAN network, such as the CAN controller 494, which is configured to connect the control unit 452 and the CAN transceiver 492, and to the studied CAN through the appropriate network control unit. A suitable CAN transceiver 492 configured to apply to the CAN standard for communicating with the devices is included. CAN transceiver 492 is controlled by CAN controller 494 and CAN controller 494 is controlled by controller 452 through various connections with controller 452. In the presented embodiment, CAN transceiver 492 becomes model number MCP2551 and CAN control unit 494 becomes model number MCP2510 available from both Microchip Technology, Inc., located at 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85224-6199. .

Selection of the output type, analog, RS-485 or CAN for transmitting the output signal is made by the control of the control device 452. In a suitable embodiment, the control device 452 of the sensor device 450 has an automatic setup feature function to enable the control device to recognize that all forms of the network, including the absence of the network, are connected to the sensor device 450. It can be programmed to have a plug and play type functionality. The automatic installation and additional functions of the control device 302 are described below with reference to FIGS. 21-24.

Referring to FIG. 21, a flow diagram of exemplary software 500 configured to provide an automated installation function to control device 302 and to configure control device 302 for a leak test application example. The software 500 may be executed during power-on or resetting of the sensor device 450 or when determining that the sensor 454 is warmed up and ready to detect air surrounding the sensor device 450. And a reset routine 502 corresponding to the ability to postpone the operation of further work. In addition, the forming steps 504, 506 constitute the sensor device 450. The configuration step 504 configures the control device 452 including loading setting control parameters such as network address and sensor constants. Configuration step 506 configures a CAN control device 494.

Once the sensor device 450 is configured, as indicated by block 508, the software 500 checks to determine whether the network is currently connected to the sensor device 450. If no network is detected, the software 500 allows the analog output to be generated by the control device 452 via the D / A converter, as indicated at block 510. The analog output is then made available via connection 482 as described above. In addition, software 500 allows loop 511 and the analog data from the sensors as described above by block 512 is converted into digital data by control device 452 and then the analog data is It is re-converted to analog data by control device 452 to be accessible via connection 482. In one embodiment, the analog data generated by the control device 452 is different from the analog data received from the sensor 454 due to the size adjustment of the data.

Loop 511 measures the analog signal from sensor 454 via A / D as indicated by block 514, processes the received data as indicated by block 516 and scales it. Adjusting and transmitting the data as a result if it is anything against the D / A converter that makes the data accessible through connection 482 as indicated by block 518. In one embodiment, control device 452 processes the data to determine whether the data corresponds to detection of a threshold concentration of tracer gas and is suitable for I / O device 460 and indication device 458. Generate an instruction. In one embodiment, the threshold connection or value is programmed into the sensor by the sensor control device 452. In another embodiment, the threshold is communicated from the remote device to the sensor control device 452.

As loop 511 is executed, software 500 monitors for possible network activity, indicating that the network is connected to I / O device 460 as indicated by block 520. If no network activity is detected, loop 511 continues. However, if network activity is detected, the D / A output (analog output) is interrupted as indicated in block 522 and the network activity indicates whether a valid network is connected as indicated in block 508. Test to determine If the activity is not a valid network, the D / A output is enabled again as indicated by block 512 and loop 511 is executed again.

Assuming a valid network has been detected, the software 500 checks to determine whether the test run flag has been set, as indicated by block 524. The test run flag is an indication that a leak test response example has been initiated from either the control device 452 or a device via a network such as PLC 118 or computer 116. Typically, leak test applications are run for a specific time frame. As such, the sensor device 450 is configured to provide data, such as sense signals, in the time frame process of the leak test application.

Assuming that the execution test flag is set, the software 500 checks to determine whether the A / D result is ready, as indicated by block 526. The A / D result corresponds to a digital signal indicating the output of the sensor 454. In one embodiment, control device 452 is configured to take measurements from sensor 454 at discrete time intervals, such as about every 100 ms. In one embodiment, the value corresponding to the measurement is stored in a memory accessible by the control device 452. As a result, the software 500 checks to determine whether the current value has been stored in the memory. If the current value has not been stored, the software 500 waits for the current value unless an interrupter or other function, such as checking built-in diagnostics, needs to be executed as indicated in block 528. do. An exemplary form of embedded diagnostics is to check for sensor failure as indicated by block 530. If a sensor failure is detected, the software 500 generates and transmits an error packet as indicated by block 532 over the network to other devices such as PLC 118 or computer 116.

If the current value has been stored in memory, software 500 erases the current result from the memory as indicated at block 534 and includes the data packet including the current result from the memory as indicated at block 536. Create and send. The data packet is sent over the network to other devices, such as PLC 118 or computer 116.

Although described in a general continuous manner, the software 500 is not limited to continuous execution. In one embodiment, the software 500 checks for changes in parameters or flags or the presence or absence of network activity at periodic time intervals for the interrupt routine. The first exemplary interrupt routine 550 is shown in FIG. 22. Interrupt routine 550 corresponds to the receipt of network messages over a network, such as a CAN network. The network message is directed to the sensor device 450 and includes a command composed of either a request or a command for the sensor device to perform a function. The software 500 is configured to interrupt the transmitted command as indicated at block 552.

A fourth exemplary instruction form is shown in FIG. 22. First, as indicated by block 554, the test command form corresponds to an instruction directed toward an initiation or interruption of the test time period or an additional command associated with the test time period. As indicated at block 562, the first exemplary command corresponds to a test start command. As indicated by block 564, the responding software 500 sets a test run flag to indicate that the test time period has started. As indicated at block 566, the second exemplary command corresponds to a test stop command. The software 500 in response clears the test run flag to indicate that the test time period has ended, as indicated by block 568.

Secondly, as indicated by block 556, the update data command form corresponds to a command requesting that data has been updated or confirmed from the sensor device. First exemplary instructions for updating or verifying data are indicated at block 570. The software 500 in response generates and transmits a response to the requested data as indicated by block 572.

Third, as indicated at block 558, the read data command form corresponds to a command requesting that data stored in the memory of the sensor device be read or transmitted. The first example instruction for reading data from memory is indicated by block 574. The software 500 in the response generates the response and sends the response using the retrieved data as indicated in block 576.

Fourth, as indicated at block 560, the update sensor command form corresponds to a command for either requesting the value of the current sensor device parameter or updating the sensor device parameter. The first exemplary command for providing a new parameter value for the sensor device 450 is indicated by block 578. Software 500 in the response generates and sends a response indicating that the parameter value has changed, as indicated by block 580.

A second exemplary interrupt routine 582 is shown in FIG. 23. The interrupter routine 582 corresponds to a watchdog service routine. The watch dog service routine checks to determine whether a RESET command has been received as indicated at block 584 and whether a RESET of the sensor device 450 has been generated as indicated at block 586. In one embodiment, the RESET command is received over the network. In another embodiment, the RESET command is received by an operator that suppresses a RESET button (not shown) located outside of the sensor device 450 or otherwise initiates a RESET command. In another embodiment, the RESET command is generated by its own control device and indicates that the RESET command is unstable or locked.

A third exemplary interrupt routine 588 is shown in FIG. 24. The interrupter routine 588 corresponds to an A / D result ready routine. As described in connection with FIG. 21, the software 500 monitors to determine whether the A / D results are ready to correspond to data values from the sensor 454. Interrupt routine 588 becomes one mechanism by which software 500 determines that data values corresponding to sensor 454 are available. Interrupt routine 588 includes reading A / D values as indicated by block 590 and software 500 indicates that new data values are ready as indicated by block 592. A / D result preparation flag is set to be known.

In one embodiment of the sensor device 450, a sensor device comprising a sensor control device 452, an I / O device 460 comprising a corresponding electronic device for at least one network type, and a sensor 454. All or substantially all of the electronic devices at 450 are all designed to be integrated inside a custom chip (not shown) to reduce the overall size of the sensor device 450. In one embodiment, a custom chip (not shown) in which the thermally conductive sensor 466 includes all or substantially all electronic devices is connected to the surface. In another embodiment, the thermally conductive sensor is formed as a component of a custom chip (not shown), whereby the sensing device or transducer of the thermally conductive sensor is installed on the outside of the chip or is accessible from the outside of the chip. It is possible. By making various connections using the leads of the custom chip, a network such as a CAN network or an RS-485 network is connected to the custom chip. The reduced size of the sensor device along with the excellent sensing capability of the sensor device 450 makes the sensor device 450 ideal for coupling into components such as automobiles as safety sensors. The sensor device 450 will share information using a control device (not shown) of a component that relays information or data related to the presence or amount of gas.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor device 450 is configured to operate in a second mode of operation similar to the sensor device 300 ′ of FIG. 15 and to reduce the overall size of the sensor device 450. Not shown). As such, the sensor device 450 does not include a pointing device such as the pointing device 458. In addition, since the sensor device 450 is connected to the remote control device through the I / O device 460, at least the power required by the control device 452 and the sensor 454 is not transmitted through the power source 476. It may be provided through the I / O interface 460. In one embodiment, thermally conductive sensor 466 is connected to a surface by a custom chip (not shown) that includes all or substantially all of the electronic devices. In another embodiment, a thermally conductive sensor is formed with a custom chip (not shown) as a component, which allows a sensing device or transducer of the thermally conductive sensor to be installed on the outside of the chip or accessible from the outside of the chip. Do. By making various connections using the leads of the custom chip, a network such as a CAN network or an RS-485 network can be connected to the custom chip. As described above, the reduced size of the sensor device 450, in accordance with the superior sensing capability of the sensor device 450, makes the sensor device 450 ideal for incorporation into a vehicle-like configuration as a safety sensor. . The sensor device 450 will share information with the control device (not shown) of the component to relay information and data related to the presence or amount of gas.

25 and 26, an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 450 is shown and wherein all or substantially all electronic devices of the sensor device 450 are integrated within a custom chip. Sensor device 450 includes a housing 596 configured to house a custom chip (not shown) and a sensor 454. In addition, the housing 596 is configured to contain some I / O interface 460, such as a CAN transceiver 492 and a CAN control device 494, which may be integrated inside a custom chip (not shown). However, as shown in FIG. 25, the sensor device or transducer 467 of the thermally conductive sensor 466 is accessible from the outside of the housing and is installed adjacent to the outside of the housing 596 as a whole. As further shown in FIG. 26, I / O interface 460 is accessible from outside of housing 596.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first portion 597 of the housing 596 is formed to connect the housing 596 to another component. As shown in FIG. 27, the sensor device 450 is installed at various locations on a component 700, such as an automobile. Sensor devices 450a and 450b are connected to the fuel system 702 of the vehicle 700 and the sensor device 450c is connected to the exhaust system of the vehicle 700. The sensor devices 450a, 450b, 450c are connected to the component control device 706 of the vehicle 700 through the I / O interfaces 460a, 460b, 460c.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to some presented embodiments, variations and modifications are within the spirit and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims below.

The present invention is designed to be combined with the design of components such as safety sensors, and exemplary components of these devices such as automobiles, trucks, aircraft, ships and fuel systems, exhaust systems, passenger cabin systems and cargo systems. It includes a subsystem.

Claims (54)

Detect the presence of at least one leak in the first region of the device under test and localize the location of the at least one leak, wherein the first side of the first region comprises the tracer gas and the tracer 1. An apparatus in which the pressure is higher than the second side of the first region to allow gas to diverge through at least one leak from the first side to the second side, A plurality of sensors positioned adjacent to a first region, each sensor configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas emanating from the leak and provide a detection signal; And Provide a leak detection signal in response to at least a first sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to the plurality of sensors and detecting the presence of the tracer gas, and the leak detection signal is at least the first sensor and the first of the plurality of sensors; And a control device for including leak detection information indicating a location of the leak in the first area based on the monitoring signal received from the sensor of 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an indicating device configured to provide a visual indication of the location of the leak. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the indicating device comprises a display configured to represent a first representation of the device under test and a sensor icon positioned over the first representation, wherein the sensor icon is a location of the first sensor adjacent to the location of the leak. Apparatus corresponding to the. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sensor icon provides a visual indication of the location of the leak. The device of claim 2, wherein the indicating device comprises a first representation of the device under test and a leak graphic located above the first representation, wherein the position of the leak graphic corresponds to the position of the first sensor adjacent to the location of the leak. Device characterized in that. The device of claim 5, wherein the leak graphic is a moving graphic formed to simulate a tracer gas emanating from the leak. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a leak detection signal is provided in response to determining whether a threshold amount of tracer gas has been detected by at least one of the plurality of sensors. The method of claim 7, wherein the leak detection signal comprises an indication of a first sensor, the first sensor being selected based on a determination as to whether at least one leak is located adjacent to the first sensor. Device. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first sensor corresponds to a sensor that detects the highest concentration of tracer gas. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first sensor corresponds to a sensor that first detected the presence of a tracer gas. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leak detection signal comprises an indication of a leak rate of at least one leak. The tracker gas of claim 11, wherein a plurality of sensors are connected to the stationary installation, the stationary installation substantially enclosing the first region and the leak rate of the at least one leak is tracker gas detected by the plurality of sensors over time. Device, characterized in that it is determined by finding the slope of the average concentration. A method of monitoring a device under test to determine whether a first area includes a leak, Positioning a plurality of sensors adjacent to the first area, each sensor being configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas emanating from the leak and provide a sensing signal; Monitoring each of the plurality of sensors to determine whether the tracer gas is detected by the plurality of sensors; And A plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of the tracer gas by detecting a leak detection signal including leak position information indicating a position of the leak in the first region based on a detection signal received from at least a first sensor and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors; Providing in response to at least a first sensor of the four sensors.  The method of claim 13 including providing a first indication of the location of the leak. The method of claim 14, wherein the first indication comprises displaying on the display a first representation of the device under test and a sensor icon positioned over the first representation, wherein the sensor icon is a location of the first sensor adjacent to the leak location. Method corresponding to the. The method of claim 14, wherein the first indication comprises displaying on the display a leaky graphic positioned over the first representation and the first representation of the device under test, wherein the position of the leaky graphic is adjacent to the location of the leak. The method corresponding to the position of the sensor. The method of claim 13, wherein locating the plurality of sensors comprises connecting the plurality of sensors to at least a first fixation fixture and positioning the first fixation fixture adjacent to the first area. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fixture is configured to substantially enclose the first region so that the tracer gas emanating from the leakage is maintained by the first fixture. 19. The method of claim 18, comprising providing a leak rate signal in response to at least a first sensor of the plurality of sensors detecting the presence of the tracer gas, the leak rate signal comprising leak rate information indicative of the leak rate of the leak. How to. The method of claim 18, wherein providing a leak rate signal; Determining an average concentration of the plurality of sensors; Monitoring the change in average concentration of the plurality of sensors over a first time period; Determining the rate of change of the average concentration over time; And Comparing the rate of change of the average concentration to a known leak rate. The method of claim 13, wherein the leak detection signal comprises information indicative of the leak rate and the method further provides a second indication of the leak rate in response to at least a first one of the plurality of sensors detecting the presence of the tracer gas. Method comprising the steps of: A computer readable medium for use in a leak test application that determines whether any of a plurality of sensors are adjacent to a leak in a device under test, Load a data file corresponding to the location of the plurality of sensors, monitor the plurality of sensors to determine which of the plurality of sensors detected the presence of a leak, and if at least a first one of the plurality of sensors leaks And a software portion configured to determine the location of the leak if detecting the presence of and to provide a visual indication of the location of the leak if at least a first of the plurality of sensors detected the presence of the leak. The software device of claim 22, wherein the software portion is further configured to provide a first representation of the device under test and a first sensor representation of at least a first sensor positioned over at least the first representation of the device under test. Medium to be used. The medium of claim 23, wherein the at least first visual representation of the sensor is a sensor icon. 24. The media of claim 23 wherein the first representation is a visual indication of the reason for the leakage. The method of claim 22, wherein the software portion is further configured to determine the location of the leak by determining whether any of the plurality of sensors detected the maximum concentration of tracer gas emanating from the device under test. Media. The medium of claim 22, wherein the software portion is further configured to determine the location of the leak by determining whether any of the plurality of sensors first detected the presence of tracer gas emanating from the device under test. The medium of claim 22, wherein the software portion is further configured to determine the leak rate of the leak in the device under test. The system of claim 28, wherein the software portion further comprises: determining an average concentration of tracer gas detected by the plurality of sensors; Monitoring the change in average concentration of tracer gas detected by the plurality of sensors over a first period of time; Determining the rate of change in average concentration of tracer gas detected by the plurality of sensors over a time period; And determining the rate of leakage of the leak in the device under test by comparing the rate of change in average concentration of tracer gas detected by the plurality of sensors with a known rate. 29. The medium of claim 28, wherein the software portion is further configured to provide a leak graphic located over the first representation of the device under test at a location adjacent the location of the leak. In the device under test, the presence of a leak is detected and the device under test is a sensor device which is pressurized using a gas comprising a tracer gas, housing; A sensor configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas and generate a detection signal; At least a first portion of a sensor contained within the housing; An I / O interface coupled to the housing and configured to provide a first connection corresponding to the analog output and a second connection corresponding to the network output; And Is connected to the sensor and the I / O interface and is configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed signal generated by the sensor, and determine whether the network is present via a second connection of the I / O interface. And a sensor control device for generating a data packet for delivery over the network, if present, and included in the housing. The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor comprises a thermally conductive transducer. The sensor device of claim 32, wherein the portion of the thermally conductive transducer is accessible from the exterior of the housing and is located adjacent to the exterior of the housing. 34. The sensor device of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the exterior of the housing is connected to the fixture, and the fixture is configured to position the sensor device adjacent to the device under test. 32. The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor control device is configured to detect the presence of the first network and the presence of at least one additional network. 36. The sensor device of claim 35, wherein the sensor control device provides an analog output through the first connection when there is neither a first network nor at least one additional network. The sensor device of claim 33, wherein the sensor device is a stand-alone leak detection device and the sensor device is further located within the housing and connected to at least the sensor control device and the indicating device so that it can be viewed from outside of the housing, And the indicating device is configured to provide an indication of the presence of the tracer gas. In the gas sensor device for detecting the presence of gas, A housing comprising a first outer surface; A sensor comprising a transducer portion located adjacent to a first outer surface of the housing for detecting the presence of gas and generating a sensing signal and for making the transducer portion contactable by the gas; A sensor control device coupled to the sensor control device and configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed signal generated by the sensor, wherein at least a portion of the sensor and the sensor control device are included in the housing. Device characterized in that. The apparatus of claim 38, comprising an I / O interface coupled to the housing and configured to connect the sensor control device to at least one device remote from the gas sensor device. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the output signal of the sensor control device is a scaled analog output signal indicative of the amount of gas detected by the sensor, and the scaled analog output signal is the first of the I / O interface. And make the device available to at least one remote device through the connection of the device. 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the output signal of the sensor control device is a digital signal indicative of the amount of gas detected by the sensor, and the digital signal is available to at least one remote device via a second connection of the I / O interface. Device, characterized in that it is made to. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the I / O interface further comprises at least one transceiver configured to receive a digital signal from the sensor control device and to generate and transmit a data packet comprising the digital signal. 43. The device of claim 42, wherein the gas sensor device is coupled to a CAN network and the I / O interface comprises a CAN transceiver and a CAN control device and wherein the data packet generated by the CAN transceiver is at least one remote device over the CAN network. And readable by the device. The gas sensor device of claim 42, wherein the gas sensor device is coupled to at least one remote device via an RS-485 connection and wherein the at least one transceiver generates a data packet readable by the at least one remote device via an RS-485 connection. Forming device. 39. The device of claim 38, comprising an indicator device configured to provide a visible indicator signal, wherein the visible indicator signal indicates the presence of gas and the visible indicator signal is observable from outside of the housing. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the sensor control device comprises a threshold value and the output signal of the sensor control device includes an indication as to whether the amount of gas detected by the sensor exceeds the threshold value. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the sensor comprises a thermally conductive transducer. The gas sensor device of claim 38, wherein the gas sensor device is further configured to connect the sensor control device to at least one device remote from the gas sensor device and wherein the housing of the gas sensor device is connected to the component. Device. 49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the component is a vehicle and the I / O interface connects the gas sensor device to a component control device of the vehicle. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the sensor of the gas sensor apparatus comprises a thermally conductive transducer. In a sensor device for use with a network, housing; A sensor including a first sensing portion for detecting the presence of a tracker gas and generating a sensing signal and positioned to be contactable by the tracker gas; A sensor control device connected by the sensor and configured to generate an output signal based on the sense signal generated by the sensor; A network control device coupled to the sensor control device and configured to generate a network data packet including information based on an output signal generated by the sensor control device; A network interface adapted to be connected to the network control device and to connect the sensor device to the network, wherein the housing is configured to include at least a first portion of the sensor, the sensor control device and the network control device. Sensor device. The sensor device of claim 51, wherein the sensor comprises a thermally conductive transducer. The sensor device of claim 52, wherein the sensor generates a sense signal based on the amount of tracer gas detected by the thermally conductive transducer. The apparatus of claim 51, comprising an indicator device coupled to the sensor control device, wherein the indicator device is configured to provide an indication of the presence of the first indicator device and tracer gas configured to provide status information associated with the sensor device. A sensor device comprising the second indicating device.

Images